The Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), a multi-sectoral group of companies and professional organizations involved in the supply chain of perishable food products, has cited the need to develop the necessary infrastructure and technologies to boost the fishery exports of Western Visayas, acknowledged as the country's seafood capital.

CCAP, which will hold its 8th annual conference in Iloilo City in June this year, said the fertile fishing grounds around Western Visayas or Region 6, which serve as the traditional source of various fish species, have the potential to make the region a major exporter of seafood products.

In particular, it said public investments in infrastructure systems in the region are expected to bring about the revival of the prawn exports industry.

Western Visayas, one of the country's major producers of prawn, tuna, and other fish products, reported a total fish production of 433,231 metric tons in 2008, up by 8.1 percent from 400,742 tons in 2007.

"There is a tremendous opportunity for growth both in local and export markets but this is being hindered by the lack of support infrastructure for proper handling, processing and distribution of marine products," CCAP said.

CCAP said it is doing its share by motivating its member companies to make new investments to support the developmental strategies initiated by local government units and using technologies developed by research institutions such as the University of the Philippines Fisheries Institute in Iloilo.

"Cold chain investments enhance the capability of the marine products industry to conform with international standards in export markets, thereby opening potential markets for local processors in Western Visayas region," it said. (BCM)